As mentioned in my earlier blog post, I stayed in camp for an extra day. Or well, I actually didn't stay for an extra day, the others had to leave earlier because their flight would leave Bariloche too early for it to be managable to get back on the same day.
I was allowed to stay back in the camp, because there were no place in the entire world, I would rather want to be and my flight onwards, doesn't leave till tomorrow.
The extra "quiet" night in camp made Lorenzo, one of the co-owners of BioBio, to spontaniously initiating a Futa wedding with his girlfriend, Terry. They had been very much in love all week (and before that). And the place and opportunity made them arrange a wedding ceremony. Everything was planned within a day. From Lorenzo asked Terry if she would meet him for a ceremony at the yoga platform the next evening, when she boarded his raft Friday afternoon, till the actual party Saturday night.
Therefore, a gigantic wedding and season ending party for employees and local friends could take place. The camp was filled with Chileneans instead of Indians. And the party could continue. To new levels.
There were no formal representatives present, but no doubt this was a real wedding. As good as you get them.
Suddenly, it all became even more magical in new ways. The ceremony took place in open air on the yoga platform. For the occasion, beautifully decorated with flowers from the surroundings.
The bride wore a crown of flowers on her head and the groom a flower garland around his neck.
One of the guides, Matteo, made the formal wedding speech, very appropriately and naturally about marriage as a river - the Futa. The kitchen staff had created an enourmous wedding cake. Champagne turned up. A lamb and a pig were grilled. And suddenly, all river guides were newly showered and shaven, in nicely ironed formal shirts. I wore my nicest dress.
And I cried. Over the romance, the beauty and for feeling so lucky to be allowed to be present at this exact place at this exact moment. I didn't take any pictures, for I wasn't a close friend nor was I a tourist. So I chose to just enjoying being present. But it was so beautiful. And the party continued all night with hindi music, smiles and laugther everywhere, guides, Chileans, kids of both origin, and then one little lucky Danish girl, who went traveling.
On my departure next day, I realised that Lorenzo himself (with Terry by his side) had chosen to drive me the 3 hours to the nearest bus stop on the Argentinian side of the border, where busses depart on a Sunday, with all the effort it would take for them to get back again. Just for appreciating my instant love to the place he has been building over the past almost 20 years. I will never be able to repay that gesture!
I am so grateful that I was allowed to participate in this magical night. And wish all the best to Terry and Lorenzo. Full stop.
Location:BioBio camp, Futaleufu, Chile
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